Granite consists of minerals, metals, feldspar, gneiss and mica, making it a hard-wearing product. FRITZ HANSEN tabletops are made from honed Nero Impala granite.
Nero Impala is a natural rock product where colour and structure vary. There may be sand holes, glass veins and porosities in the surface. All of this occurs naturally and is therefore not accepted as a cause of complaint.
Furthermore, with some granite dating up to 2,6 billion years back in history, being formed by the slow crystallization of magma, it must be emphasized that every piece of granite is unique and that no two pieces will be similar.
To protect the surface of the tabletop and before using the granite, we recommend you apply Stone Wash (alternatively soap flakes) - a cleansing soap for all-natural stone types - which is delivered with each granite table. With the use of Stone Wash, the surface will create a layer of protection against stains, but please note the tabletop will never be 100% stain repellent: Acid can still penetrate depending on how long it stays on the surface.
In the unfortunate event of stains, clean with Stone Wash or soap flakes as described below. Leave it in pure form on the whole surface of the table, never only in patches, and you will build up the sheet of protection again.
Apply Stone Wash directly from the bottle on the entire tabletop, including the edges, in an even layer with a lint-free cloth. Let the soap penetrate the stone, wait around 5-10 minutes without the surface drying completely and then wipe off the remaining soap with a wrung-out cloth (lint-free).
NOTE, make sure all the remaining soap is removed to avoid stripes on the surface. It is important that the entire tabletop is covered during each treatment with Stone Wash to maintain a uniform surface. Repeat the treatment whenever necessary.
NOTE, using natural soap (Stone Wash or soap flakes) the honed granite will gain a silkier matt look over time
For maintenance using soap flakes use only small, fine flakes that easily dissolves in water.
Whip up a soapy solution of 2-3 tablespoons of soap flakes per litre of hot water and apply the foam to the table top with a soft brush or cloth (lint-free). Leave the foam to work for about 5 minutes without drying out to allow the tabletop to absorb as much soap as possible. Then wipe the tabletop with a clean, damp cloth (lint-free).
Note, it is important that the entire tabletop is covered each time in order to maintain a uniform surface. Repeat this treatment regularly as needed.
Granite endures practically all kinds of cleaning agents. Note, however, that the use of synthetic detergents dries out the tabletop. It should therefore be treated with an impregnating agent for absorbent materials afterwards.
Granite is very resistant to stains, but even water can still cause temporary discoloration if it’s allowed to soak in. Any liquids that penetrate the stone can leave stains, especially oils, fruit juice, and wine. For purification of very heavy stains use Stone Wash directly from the dispenser and follow the directions above.